Trade tariffs: discussing economic policies and their impact

Summary

This 90-minute ESL lesson for B2 learners explores Trade tariffs: discussing economic policies and their impact through a real video. Across 9 interactive exercises, you'll develop listening comprehension, vocabulary, speaking skills — all built around authentic English content.

What you'll practise:

• 5 key vocabulary items with definitions and usage notes
• Gap-fill and cloze exercises to test vocabulary in context
• Matching exercise to connect terms with their meanings

Lesson activities (9 exercises)

Each exercise builds on the previous one. Work through them in order for the best learning experience.

1. Warm-up — Discussion questions to activate what you already know about the topic.
2. Watch — Watch the video and note the main arguments and examples.
3. Comprehension — Answer questions to check your understanding of the main ideas and supporting details.
4. Vocabulary — Learn key words and expressions from the video, with definitions and usage notes.
5. True / False — Test your detailed understanding — decide if each statement matches the source.
6. Fill the gaps — Complete sentences with the correct vocabulary. Drag and drop or type your answers.
7. Multiple choice — Choose the correct answer from four options — testing comprehension and language use.
8. Matching — Connect words, phrases, or concepts to their correct counterparts.
9. Discussion — Reflect on the topic and share your opinions using the language you've learned.

Vocabulary

This lesson introduces 5 key terms drawn directly from the video:

• level the playing field — to create a situation where everyone has a fair and equal chance of succeeding
• retaliatory measures — actions taken by one country against another that has harmed it, especially in trade
• ripple effect — a situation where one event causes a series of other, often indirect, events to happen
• trade barrier — a government-imposed restriction on the free international exchange of goods or services
• on top of that — in addition to something else

Grammar

This lesson includes a grammar focus with clear explanations and practice exercises.